Magic Finalize 2018-2019 Roster

(Moncton, New Brunswick – November 13, 2018) After just over two weeks of training camp, the Moncton Magic announced today they have finalized their opening day roster.

The Magic, who went 2-0 in their only pre-season games vs. the Saint John Riptide, and Cape Breton Highlanders, will carry 13 players (12 active, 1 on Injured Reserve) into their opening day tilt with the Halifax Hurricanes on Thursday, November 15th at Scotia bank Centre.

Head Coach and GM of Player Operations Joe Salerno has seen progress, and feels good about where his team is currently at.

"I think it's starting to come together. You see more chemistry forming, and an understanding of how we want to play amongst the guys every day in practice. Guys are starting to really figure out what each of their strengths is within our system, and they are starting to see how to exploit it."

Two returnees will be back from last year's Magic team that went 23-17 in the regular season, and lost in the Atlantic division Finals to the Hurricanes. Shooting Guard and fan favourite Corey Allmond, as well as Canadian Power Forward Denzell Taylor are both back for their second tour with the team. Off-season acquisitions Billy White, and Doug Herring who were both picked up via trade by the Magic this summer will also be on the team's final roster, and from what Salerno says have been major contributor's in both pre-season wins.

"Both those guys, Billy and Doug will be major pieces for us this season. They are veterans, and both have NBL Championship rings. They know what it takes to win, and you can already see that rubbing off on the other guys. I have been very impressed with both guys thus far" commented Salerno.

Two true rookies have also made the final roster in Canadians Gentrey Thomas and Eddie Asamoah. Thomas, who played collegiate basketball at California State University at Riverside, hails from Halifax Nova Scotia, and is the sole maritime product on the squad.

Point Guard Jahii Carson has been placed on the team's injured reserve after suffering a concussion in the team's final pre-season game vs. the Riptide, and has been ruled out for the season opener on Thursday evening.

The Magic's home opener is set for Saturday evening, November 17that 7pm, at the newly opened Avenir Centre when they host the Halifax Hurricanes. It will be a quick turnaround, as the team will then welcome in the Cape Breton Highlanders for a Sunday matinee at 2pm. Tickets are available online, or at the Subaru of Moncton Box office, located at the Avenir Centre.

The team's full opening day roster is listed below:

About MONCTON MAGICHeadquartered in Moncton, NB, the MONCTON MAGIC is a professional basketball organization that operates under a licensing agreement with the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC). The team will play its games in a two-conference league with clubs located in the Provinces of Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

The Moncton Magic's logo is a trademark of The Moncton Magic. The logo may not be reproduced by any means or in any form whatsoever without written permission.The team name, logos and uniform designs are trademarks of the Moncton Magic. All other NBL Canada-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Basketball League of Canada.